News Director

KNKX Public Media

Position Title: News Director           

Department: Programming Department

Reports To: Director of Content

Salary Range: $90,000- $100,000

About us:

At KNKX we work hard to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers, and help build trust in public media. 

KNKX is a Puget Sound area public media company, dedicated to bringing jazz, blues, regional news, and NPR programs to the Northwest and beyond. As an independent dual-format station, KNKX employees are energized in their mission to provide the very best service to an audience of nearly a million on-air and online, to engage closely with community members and the public media industry to constantly improve and innovate, and to present music and stories that educate, inspire, and expand horizons. KNKX offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including Medical, dental, voluntary vision/life insurance, 401K, flexible spending account, employee assistance programs, and generous vacation and paid holidays. Note: (benefit eligibility is based on tenure, full- or part-time status)

KNKX is committed to looking and sounding more like the dynamic and diverse region that we call home.  Learn more in our diversity statement.

Who we are looking for:

Do you enjoy leading teams and creating new idea? Are you passionate about helping people and organizations thrive?  We are seeking a News Director to oversee KNKX’s news gathering efforts. The News director will be responsible for providing timely, high-quality news and feature coverage. We are looking for someone who has a strong leadership and DEI background. You will supervise KNKX’s Assistant News Director, reporters, hosts and producers. This position reports to the Director of Content and works to ensure effective communication and coordination among the senior management team and other managers of music and digital content.

The News Director will be empowered to collaborate with the Director of Content in order to articulate an overall vision and strategy for the newsroom and its long range planning. You will also assign and direct daily coverage, enterprise stories, and larger reporting projects. You must have the ability to coach an ambitious and creative team as well as supervise, evaluate and provide clear and constructive feedback and reviews for news staff.

This is a Monday-Friday position based either out of our Seattle or our Tacoma stations. The position reports to the Director of Content. Apply today by clicking on the link below!

Some of what you will be doing:

• Assists in planning and implementing digital strategies with the Director of Content and music and digital departments.
• Oversees newsroom budgetary matters.
• Maintains strong professional relationships and seeks partnerships with NPR, PMJA and other journalism organizations.
• Plays an active role in KNKX on-air fund drives.
• Supports the KNKX Principals and Values Statement and the station’s Long Range Plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to plan, organize and implement news coverage and work effectively within tight deadlines.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with coworkers through vigorous and sensitive managerial leadership.
• Knowledge of media and audience data analytics.
• Knowledge of NPR journalistic ethics and standards
• Experience in producing in-depth news for broadcast and online.
• Ability to edit news stories of varying lengths
• Ability to work under deadline using limited resources, attend remote events, and respond quickly to diverse and changing circumstances.
• Skills in news technology, including computers, software and digital recording equipment.
• Cultural competency to connect with our region’s widely diverse communities.
• Ability to hire, supervise, train and evaluate employees.
• Excellent writing, speaking and outstanding interpersonal skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of five years as a News Director in a managerial role or comparable skills and experience.
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, media or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing a newsroom in a mid-size or major market.
• Experience as a radio reporter.
• Experience using News Boss.
• Experience managing a union shop.
• Deep understanding of the NPR system and culture.

Additional Conditions of employment:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. All KNKX employees must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to the job start date.

We value diverse perspectives and life experiences.

We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public in the Puget Sound region. For inquiries about this position, contact HR Director at gholland@knkx.org

KNKX’s Vision is to grow our audience and become a more inclusive

organization that brings joy, meaning and understanding into people’s lives

KNKX is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin,  veterans or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at hr@knkx.org. You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor it.

The hiring manager has the right to close this recruitment at any time therefore it would be in your best interest to apply early. Applicants will be reviewed weekly.